U.S. patent number 4,471,993 [Application Number 06/321,236] was granted by the patent office on 1984-09-18 for personalized low back support device.
Invention is credited to Steven R. Watson.
United States Patent |
4,471,993 |
Watson |
September 18, 1984 |
Personalized low back support device
Abstract
A device with a semi-rigid structural support orthopedically
contoured in concavo-convex shape formed on a mold the exact
outline of the lumbar area of ones back. The support is covered
with resilient material front and back and in the convex area. A
fabric cover encloses the device and includes a zipper for
convenience of closure. Reversible straps fastened to the cover
provide attachment to chairs or seats to assure alignment with the
back and maintain integrity of the device.
Inventors: |
Watson; Steven R. (Santa Ana,
CA) |
Family
ID: |
23249760 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/321,236 |
Filed: |
November 13, 1981 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/284.5;
297/230.13; D24/184 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C
7/425 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47C
7/42 (20060101); A47C 7/40 (20060101); A47C
007/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;297/230,284,219,460,231
;5/457,458,432 ;128/399 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: McCall; James T.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Anderson; Gordon K.
Claims
I claim:
1. A device for supporting the low back area of the body
comprising:
(a) an orthopedic shaped structural support having a top and bottom
comprised of a semi-rigid substance having the exact configuration
of ones lower back for supporting the lumbar area by contiguous
structural intervention.
(b) a front resilient member juxtaposed on the front of said
structural support providing an elastic, springy surface for
engaging ones lumbar back area.
(c) an inner core contiguous with the back of said structural
support complementary thereto and filling voids made by said
orthopedic shape,
(d) a fabric enclosure encompassing said structural support front
resilient member and inner core having means for closing and means
for strap fastening thereto providing a removable protective cover
with integral strap attaching points, and
(e) a plurality of straps connected to said strap fastening means
providing a method of attachment to a seating structure to maintain
said device in proper orientation with the lumbar area of ones back
by intimately embracing the seating structure contiguous
therewith.
2. The inner core according to claim 1 further comprising:
(a) an interior core spacer of resilient material having a form
somewhat similar to and juxtaposed with said structural support for
filling irregular voids made by said orthopedic shape,
(b) a back resilient member attached to said interior core creating
a pliable back to said device being elastic to conform to the
characteristics of a seating structure when fastened thereon.
3. The means for closing according to claim 1 comprising:
a slide fastener on one side.
4. The strap fastening means recited in claim 1 comprising:
said fabric enclosure having a plurality of slots on one surface in
spaced relationship allowing said straps to be inserted therein in
combination to the configuration of the seating arrangement.
5. The strap fastening means recited in claim 1 comprising:
a plurality of snaps attached to one surface of said fabric
enclosure in spaced relationship allowing said straps to be
attached thereto in combination to the configuration of the seating
arrangement.
6. The straps according to claim 1 further comprising:
a buckle on the first end attached in looping relationship,
providing fastening to the second end with tightening adjustments
to encircle the seating arrangement when fastening said device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to chairs and seats with supplemental lower
primary backs and means to alter the contour, in general, more
specifically individually molded, contoured low back support
orthopedic cushions.
2. Description of Prior Art
Previously, auxillary lower back supports have been limited to
flat, rigid structural members covered with resilient material or
springs with the shape formed by the material itself, such as
taught by Epstein in U.S. Pat. No. 1,667,626, Shapiro U.S. Pat. No.
2,769,485 and Arno U.S. Pat. No. 3,087,172. The outside shape of
the above disclosures were fixed by the form of the filler with the
integrity of configurations supplied by the rigid back. Other prior
art utilizes a contoured form of pliable material only with no
structure, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,673,433 Wheeler et al,
No. 3,765,721 Watkin, and No. 3,953,073 Esquivel. Further, U.S.
Pat. No. 3,321,241 issued to Froelich indicates an orthopedic seat
support having a flexible core with a rigid and contoured
orthopedic device disposed in a pocket. While this invention has a
contoured device, it is limited to being both rigid and shaped to
the back of the average user. For background purposes and as
indicative of the art to which the invention relates, reference may
be made to U.S. Pat. No. 3,610,685 issued to Lay.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Previously cushions or low back supports are formed either with a
rigid member located on the extreme back and covered with resilient
material or made entirely of the same substance. The problem that
exists is that the cushion is made to fit only the average user and
has no allowance for a persons height, broadness of the lumbar area
or shape of the lordotic curve. An orthopedic device, in order to
be comfortable and supply the needed support, must conform in every
detail to the users back or unnecessary pressure is exerted by the
resilient material in some areas and significant force is lacking
in others. Many attempts have been made to accomplish this
personalized low back support as pressure on the spinal disks is
optimized when sitting with the spine essentially straight. It is
well known that the greatest pressure is exerted in the anterior
sitting posture followed by the anterior straight and posterior
sitting attitude, all of which are far greater than sitting with
the back straight.
The need for an auxillary device that conforms exactly to the
contour, form and configuration of the lumbar area of the back has
long been needed, as chairs and seats of all kinds may not be
conductive by themselves to purvey the optimum support in that
area.
With the forgoing in mind, it becomes the primary object of the
invention to provide such a device that fits exactly the subject
area by the use of a pliable semi-rigid orthopedic shaped
structural support member formed around a mold made directly from a
persons back. The support, thus formed, not only fits exactly, but
has additional resilient material, where in direct contact with the
user, thus providing further comfort. A removable cover is also
included for convenience with integral straps that provide
attachment to a chair or seat.
An important object allows the device to be adapted to almost any
conventional seating arrangement, such as an office or household
chair, vehicle seat, sofa or lounge, mass media seating, etc. The
inner structural support is semi-rigid with characteristics being
firm enough to maintain its own structural integrity and yet
elastic enough to conform to the characteristics of the seat when
juxtapositioned thereon. Further, a strapping arrangement on the
device allows fastening to prevent slipping and provide
semi-permanent attachment to the chair or seat.
Another object of the disclosure provides proper and paragon
support for the spine, thus eliminating lumbar spine distortion. As
well as maintaining the normal lordotic curve, vertical spinal
alignment is achieved as the normal lateral contour of the back
horizontally includes convex sides which add support and are
self-centering in the cavity.
Still another object allows the device to be easily fit and
assembled by medical personnel or those trained in the field, using
easily understood simple processes and a minimum of ancillary
equipment. The temperatures involved in the forming processes are
limited to heated water of a temperature normally found in a
household or commercial tap and the cooling capabilities of a
conventional refrigerator or freezer.
Yet another object is the simplicity of construction, as all
components are precut and semi-assembled during manufacture, and
practitioners in the medical field need only to form the mold and
accomplish the final assembly procedures.
A further object provides open celled resilient material next to
the user to keep the back cool, and with another embodiment the
structural member contains a plurality of holes to increase the
breathing capabilities with a passageway for air.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of
the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a partial isometric view of the preferred embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view taken along lines 2--2 of FIG.
1.
FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view taken along lines 3--3 of FIG.
1.
FIG. 4 is an outline of a person using the invention while it is
attached to a chair illustrating the position of the device in
relation to the users lumbar area.
FIG. 5 is a partial elevation view of the invention viewed from the
front.
FIG. 6 is a partial rear elevation view with the attachment straps
in the horizontal position.
FIG. 7 is a partial rear elevation view with the attachment straps
in the vertical position.
FIG. 8 is a partial rear view with the straps attached through
loops horizontally.
FIG. 9 is a partial rear view with the straps attached with snap
fasteners in the vertical position.
FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment taken
along lines 10--10 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment taken
along lines 11--11 of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now more particularly to the referenced characters of the
drawing, the invention in the preferred embodiment 18 utilizes an
orthopedic shaped structural support 20 made of a thermoplastic
material that has the characteristics of strength and cohesive
properties at normal ambient temperatures and becomes malleable at
an elevated temperature above 160 degrees F. (72 degrees C. ). The
structural support 20 is formed by placing a small mass of putty
(not shown), with a film of thin clear polyethylene on two sides
under the lumbar area of the back while lying horizontally on a
hard surface. The putty is made of a type of silicone, such as
commonly used by therapists for exercize, sometimes known under the
registered trademark as "Theraplast". As the putty is pliable at
room temperatures, the weight of the body and warmth of the skin
cause the putty of flow into a pattern, filling completely the
concavo-convex surface of the back. The material is then
manipulated at the exposed edge forming a contoured shape at the
curve of the persons side. The putty is then placed in a
refrigerator or freezer and the temperature reduced to below room
level. It has been experienced that the temperature need be only a
minimal deviation, as the plasticity is sufficiently slowed at only
a few degrees below the prevailing ambient temperature.
Thermoplastic material in rectangular shape 20 is then heated to
160 degrees-170 degrees F. (72 degrees-77 degrees C.) in either a
conventional oven, hydrocolator, or with a heat-gun, however, hot
water is preferred. The material 20 is then placed upon the
pre-cooled mold and gently hand formed to correspond to the shape
and form of the mold. This shape then duplicates exactly the form
of the subjects back and becomes an individualized and personalized
support. The material, so formed, is then trimmed around the edges
to remove any irregular shape and the corners are radiused
completing the orthopedic shaped structural support 20. In another
embodiment, the support 20 is formed in the same manner but is
constructed with material having a plurality of holes in spaced
relationship in a geometrical aray providing an air passageway
allowing breathing of air from the front to the back of the device.
The orthopedic shaped structural member 20 is covered with a front
resilient member 22 as depicted in FIGS. 2, 3 and 11 with the
orientation of the front, as illustrated in FIG. 4. This front
member 22 is preferably open cell sponge with a polyethylene
coating on the exposed side but may be of any suitable material,
such as closed or open cell urethane, or the like. The front member
22 is of a consistant thickness and may be either entirely bonded
by adhesive to the structural support 20 or only on the periphery.
The purpose of the front member 22 is to add comfort to the device
by its resiliency allowing irregular shapes, such as belts or
clothing to be accommodated.
On the side opposite the front member 22, the structural support 20
has juxtapositioned an inner core comprising an inner core spacer
24 and a back resilient member 27 adhesively bonded together. The
inner core spacer 24 has a shape somewhat similar to the back of
the support 20 and fills the irregular voids made by the orthopedic
shape. The back resilient member 27 is flat and being bonded to the
spacer 24 creates a pliable back being elastic enough to conform to
the characteristics of a chair or seat and add body to the device.
The material in both the core spacer 24 and back member 27 are of
the same composition as the front member 22. The composite inner
core, as well as the top member 22, may be adhesively bonded to the
structural support 20 or the two outer resilient members may be
bonded on the periphery, less one side, creating a pocket in which
the structural support may be inserted with either configuration
working equally well. A fabric enclosure 26 is added on the outside
of the above assembly providing a protective cover that is
removable for washing and is attractive, adding an asthetic feature
to the invention. This enclosure 26 is of cloth material sewn
around the edges with a slide fastener 28, known by its registered
trademark zipper on one edge for access. Any other factening device
would also be suitable, such as buttons, snaps, grippers, etc. On
the backside of the cover are points of attachment for a strapping
arrangement. In one embodiment slots 34 are provided, at least a
pair, oriented vertically and located near the edge for two straps
30. A similar set are horizontally positioned, as shown in FIGS. 6
and 7. This arrangement allows the straps 30 to be located in any
combination vertically or horizontally for ease of attachment to
the chair or seat. In another embodiment snaps 38 are provided for
attachment, as depicted in FIG. 9 utilizing snaps or grippers 38 in
both the cover 26 and straps 30. The location of the snaps 38 is
equidistant in each centerline location allowing vertical or
horizontal attachment of the straps 30.
Another alternate embodiment, depicted in FIG. 8 incorporates the
use of fabric loops 36 attached directly to the enclosure 26 by
sewing. These loops are utilized in the same manner as above. The
straps 30 are of any suitable material, such as leather or vinyl,
with nylon being preferred. The width and thickness may vary, only
flexability and strength need be considered. On one end a buckle 32
is attached allowing the strap to be attached to itself and
tightened. The straps encircle the seating arrangement in looping
relationship to hold the device in place while in use.
Another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIGS. 10 and 11,
functions and is attached in the manner as the above embodiment,
however, the structure is formed differently. In place of the
structural support member 20 and the interior core spacer 24 is a
molded semi-rigid structure 40 of polyurethane foam. This material
by itself has sufficient structural integrity to maintain the
desired configuration and when supported by laminating the
resilient front member 22 and the back resilient member 27 the
characteristics of strength and ductility are further enhanced. The
structure 40 is molded to the body directly by mixing the resin and
catalyst together and placing the composite into a confined area
surrounding the small of ones back while lying horizontally. An
open sided mold of disposable material, such as cardboard or a
polyethylene sheet lined permanent mold may be used for the
confined area. A thermal insulation, such as a fabric blanket is
used between the foam and the back, as heat is produced in the
foaming process. The foam expands into the mold and fills the
entire space completely conforming to the concavo-convex surface of
the lumbar area in somewhat of a wedge shape. The surplus material
is vented to the sides and when the expansion is completed the
material is removed from the mold, or in the case of the cardboard,
may remain intact and is then trimmed around the edges making a
uniform rectangular shape. The resilient front member 22 and back
member 27 is attached in the same manner as in the previous
embodiment and the remainder of the invention is the same.
While the invention has been described in complete detail and
pictorialy shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be
limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may
be in the invention without departing from the spirit and the scope
thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications
and forms which may come within the language and scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *